NEW: “The Crow people are not your punchline.”
The Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council urged Republican Senate candidate Tim Sheehy to formally apologize for remarks they called offensive.
#mtpol
#mtnews
HAPPENING NOW: About 100 people are walking along Highway 93 in Arlee to honor Mika Westwolf, a young Indigenous woman who was killed while walking along the road.
#mtnews
#mmiw
#mmip
#mmiwg2s
BREAKING: Mika WestWolf, a Native woman, was hit and killed while walking on Hwy 93. Officials are investigating Sunny White, who ascribes to White nationalist ideology and whose children are named "Aryan" and "Nation." w/
@zoe_buchli
#MMIW
#MMIWG2S
BREAKING: Blackfeet Nation release 20 wild buffalo to roam free.
"It was absolutely momentous as a Blackfeet to be on our land within our sovereignty and do this. We’re the leaders. We’re choosing our future as we see it," said Councilman Lauren Monroe.
From the Blackfoot Confederacy:
“Lily Gladstone has undeniably left an indelible mark, breaking barriers and inspiring countless individuals with her remarkable presence and commitment to storytelling.”
A stand-up headdress, unique to the Blackfoot Confederacy, has been transferred to Lily Gladstone. She walks beside elder Charlene Plume, who made Gladstone’s headdress.
@lily_gladstone
#mtnews
The Montana American Indian Caucus has issued a formal statement condemning "both the Montana Freedom Caucus, in calling for the censure of Rep. Zephyr, and the Speaker of House, for refusing to recognize her to speak on the floor."
#mtnews
BREAKING: Mika WestWolf, a Native woman, was hit and killed while walking on Hwy 93. Officials are investigating Sunny White, who ascribes to White nationalist ideology and whose children are named "Aryan" and "Nation." w/
@zoe_buchli
#MMIW
#MMIWG2S
BREAKING: Blackfeet Tribal Council votes unanimously to open the east entrance to Glacier National Park for the 2021 season. 95% of the tribe's eligible population has received a COVID-19 vaccine.
#mtnews
When
@lily_gladstone
made history last night, Indigenous people nationwide celebrated while simultaneously trying to figure out who beaded her black-and-white earrings.
The answer is Lenise Omeasoo, Montana-based Ermineskin Cree and Blackfeet artist.
The Blackfeet Nation on Friday held a “street corner vaccination clinic” open to all. The clinic administered 103 vaccines to people, including those passing through Browning from Great Falls, Whitefish and Kalispell.
#mtnews
The Blackfeet Nation has reported 0 COVID-19 cases in the last 23 days. The tribe has vaccinated more than 80% of its eligible population, compared to the state of Montana, which has vaccinated 46% of the eligible population.
#mtnews
NEW: After 6 months of reporting, 3,000 miles traveled in Montana and 70+ interviews, my 1st story in a series on the life expectancy gap in Montana is out today.
In Montana, Native Americans die a generation younger than their white neighbors.
#mtnews
"I don't know if MacKenzie Scott realizes how incredible this is for our college. If I could, I would grab her and hug her. Institutions like ours, we don't usually get the kind of donations she's making,"
@skcollege
president said.
#mtnews
NEW: Members of Montana's American Indian Caucus described this legislative session as "terrible," "partisan" and "the worst yet."
The caucus faced blatant and subtle racism in the halls of the Capitol, in elevators and on the House and Senate floors.
BREAKING: As COVID-19 cases rise, the Blackfeet Nation has moved to a restricted opening plan, which includes a mask mandate, limited travel, limited in-person gatherings and business operations at 50% capacity.
#mtnews
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visits the Flathead Reservation to mark a $110 million federal investment in improving U.S. Highway 93 safety.
#mtnews
#mtpol
As Gabby Petito's case continues to dominate the news cycle, Indigenous people ask why their missing persons cases aren't worthy of similar attention.
"We want that same energy when our women go missing."
#MMIW
#MMIP
#MMIWG2S
The Rocky Boy Buffalo Project announced the arrival of the first bison calf born on the reservation in more than 20 years.
“With this birth, we are witnessing the rebirth of a nation,” said Jason Belcourt, sustainability coordinator for the Chippewa Cree Tribe.
#mtnews
Michelle Reed, who is Ojibwe, never had a doll that looked like her. "We grew up thinking that blonde hair and blue eyes were beautiful," she said.
Now, she makes Indigenous dolls that accurately represent different tribes.
"The Montana American Indian Caucus, in representing a people that has endured a long history of discrimination, therefore strongly denounces the call to censure Rep. Zephyr. We stand in solidarity with Rep. Zooey Zephyr and trans, nonbinary, and Two Spirit Montanans.”
May 5 is a national day of awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous women. For more than a year, reporters across
@usatoday
network have worked together to examine factors contributing to the crisis and how laws have largely failed to address it.
#MMIW
With
@GFTribune
, I'm launching Eight Nations, a newsletter dedicated to tribal news in MT. Every Sunday, you'll hear from Indigenous leaders, lawmakers, artists+community members on issues they care about most. Please subscribe and help me get the word out!
BREAKING: The Blackfeet Nation called for removal of national and local IHS leaders, saying they avoided and disrespected the tribe and failed to support the tribe in improving health outcomes.
When a woman's car broke down, she decided to walk. But first, she left this note in her car. This is the horrifying reality Indigenous people in America face, as they go missing and are killed at disproportionately high rates. She is safe, and her dad found the note.
#MMIW
#MMIP
BREAKING: Montana lawmakers killed a bill establishing Indigenous Peoples' Day and blamed the bill's sponsor for saying Columbus raped and beheaded Native people.
#mtnews
#mtleg
The Blackfeet Nation has distributed more than 5,000 turkeys to all tribal members to help families and keep them safe during the holiday. The drive-thru pick up line in Browning stretched 1.5 miles.
NEW: Blackfeet Nation reports COVID-19 outbreak with 18 active cases. The tribe reinstated its mask mandate, tribal offices are closed to public and non-essential travel is suspended. The tribal community has lost 48 people to the virus.
#mtnews
When 7-year-old Kahlia White saw an ad for the Oscars Sunday morning, she told her parents, “We have to watch Lily!”
Here's the story behind the viral photo that for many symbolizes the power of Indigenous representation.
#mtnews
Grass fire on the Blackfeet Reservation started today and has burned 25,000 acres and one structure. Blackfeet Nation declared state of emergency and is evacuating people in Blackfoot. Emergency shelter is at Browning Middle School. 📸: Jim McNeely
NEW: When Solomon “Sully” Montoya got dressed for school one morning in October 2022, he knew there was going to be trouble.
Sully is Two-Spirit, which refers to Indigenous people who fulfill a traditional third gender.
#mtnews
"Crow tribe have what they called the badé, Lakota have winkte, my Cheyenne tribe has hemaneh – which means born male but has the heart and soul of a woman."
Really appreciate this
@kemc
Q+A with
@IndigiTrans
#mtnews
Chief Earl Old Person held valuable cultural knowledge and embodied Blackfeet leadership and tradition. With his passing, the Blackfeet Nation said they "have suffered a huge loss."
"A chapter of our history has come to a close," the tribe said.
#mtnews
Tribal orgs to ABC: by ignoring Indigenous women, who go missing and are killed at disproportionately high rates in MT,
#BigSky
"is the height of cultural insensitivity, made even more egregious given the national awakening to the need for racial justice."
The governor has signed 3 major bills for Indian Country into law. Together, the bills codify parts of the federal Indian Child Welfare Act into state law, bring accountability to Indian Ed for All & revise the Montana Indian Language Preservation program
NEW: The high rates of Missing & Murdered Indigenous People is a nationwide crisis, and experts say Montana is an epicenter. This is a story about what it looks in a community where everyone knows someone who has gone missing or been killed.
#mmiw
#mmip
As of yesterday, Indigenous people accounted for 29% of Montana's active missing persons population. Native Americans comprise 6.7% of the state's population.
#mtnews
#MMIW
#mmip
When anti-Semitic, anti-transgender flyers appeared in Great Falls this morning, Tawny Cale (Standing Rock Sioux Tribe) thought, "Not in my neighborhood!" so she drove around her neighborhood to remove the literature.
#mtnews
NEW: On the Fort Peck Reservation - where 26 could be considered middle-aged - a barrage of premature, preventable deaths tear at the living.
Story 2 of my life expectancy series is out today.
@USCAnnenberg
@ReportingHealth
#mtnews
Today marks 152 years since the Baker Massacre against the Blackfeet Nation. On Jan. 23, 1870, the U.S. 2nd Cavalry, led by Maj. Eugene Baker, reportedly killed 173 members of the Blackfeet Nation at a camp near present-day Shelby.
In today's special edition newsletter, w/ photos + video, I speak w/
@DeadDogLake
and Nicholas Rink, educators and self-described rez dog ambassadors. Rez dogs are a common fixture of the Blackfeet Reservation, but they're often misunderstood by outsiders.
Tribes' vaccination efforts have been a huge success. The Blackfeet Nation is vaccinating Glacier National Park staff, the CSKT vaccinated non-Native teachers a month before they were eligible and the Indian Family Health Clinic vaccinated 80+ Great Falls teachers.
And the Blackfeet Nation is giving Covid vaccines to Canadians. With stricter safety precautions, programs to protect elders and an efficient vaccine rollout, Native American tribes are leading the way in the fight against COVID-19.
I just heard that Navajo Nation, which has done a heroic job wrestling the coronavirus to the ground, is now donating extra PPE to India. The Navajo have been a model of resolve in fighting the pandemic, and are now a model in supporting others worldwide who need help.
BREAKING: The Montana Department of Revenue made an error when appraising property values in Browning that bumped tax bills 2 to 4 times above normal in the impoverished area.
#mtnews
#mtpol
Now, for the first time, when someone on the Fort Peck Reservation calls a crisis helpline, a fellow community member will be on the other end.
The Fort Peck Tribes Call and Treatment Center is the first crisis call center on any reservation in Montana.
NEW: Montana's American Indian Caucus issued a statement supporting critical race theory. They say the inability to teach critical race theory will erode Indian Ed For All, erase Indigenous identity and violate the state's constitution.
#mtleg
#mtnews
Happening now: Hundreds gather on the Blackfeet Reservation for a highway dedication to the late Chief Earl Old Person. Sen. Susan Webber said, “That road will be here always,” just as Old Person’s legacy will persist.
#mtnews
#mtpol
THREAD: Today's front page of
@GFTribune
is dedicated to coverage of the missing and murdered Indigenous people crisis. May 5 is a national day of awareness for
#MMIW
. It's also Hanna Harris' birthday. Hanna was killed in 2013, but this year she would've been 29.
#MMIWG
#MMIP
The Blackfeet Nation will enter Phase 3 of its reopening on Monday. Details on Phase 3, which is called "New Normal," are forthcoming. The tribe had 1 active COVID-19 case and 0 hospitalizations today. About 80% of the tribe's eligible population has received a vaccine.
#mtnews
BREAKING: the Blackfeet Nation reported its first COVID-19 case caused by the omicron variant.
Covid was the leading cause of death among Native Americans in Montana in 2020, and the Blackfeet community has lost 56 people to the virus.
#mtnews
“710 Indigenous people, mostly girls, were reported missing over the past decade in Wyoming, the same state where Gabby Petito reportedly disappeared.” But those cases weren’t met w the same furor.
By
@kelseyvlamis
#MMIW
More than 100 people have gathered in Browning for Brendon Galbreath’s funeral. While the details of his death remain unclear, it’s very clear the Blackfeet Nation lost a beloved community member who many remember as intelligent and kind. For many, Brendon was an inspiration.
Just in: Blackfeet Community College is offering $100 to every student who provides proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Students who are vaccinated will also be entered into a drawing to win a $5k scholarship for the Spring semester. 15 scholarships are available.
#mtnews
“This is factual information. If that makes people so uneasy, then why are we celebrating this holiday, if they can’t even stomach conversations about (Columbus)?” said
@shanemorigeau
, who sponsored the bill.
I joined
@MaritsaGeorgiou
on "America Tonight" to talk about the property tax increases in Browning.
Thanks so much, Maritsa for helping me bring this story to a national audience.
#mtnews
#mtpol
@scrippsnews
As the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers head to the Super Bowl on Sunday, a debate resurfaces regarding professional sports teams and their invocation of Native American names, mascots and dress. via
@GFTribune
.
NEW: The Blackfeet Nation declared a state of emergency on fentanyl and drug overdoses and announced it will form a task force dedicated to treatment and prevention. Chairman Davis said in the last 2 weeks, there have been 17 overdoses and 4 drug-related deaths in the community
NEW: The Montana High School Association voted for the first time to add a Native American executive board member, which tribal leaders say will enhance representation. Story by
@406welsch
#mtnews
#mtsports
via
@406mtsports
Daines asks Haaland if she will protect hunting access on public lands. "I am a Pueblo woman. We've been hunting wild game for centuries. In fact, that's the reason I'm sitting here today... I absolutely respect the sportsmen and the anglers whose traditions those are," she said.
The Montana Democratic Party has become the first state party in the U.S. to establish a formal role for Native Americans, based on their proportion of the population. Members of the American Indian caucus called the change a "great step forward."
#mtleg
Tribal colleges provide Native and non-Native students access to affordable education; they bring employment opportunities to rural communities and contribute millions of dollars to the state's economy each year.
Happening now: The ACLU of Montana honored members of Montana’s American Indian Caucus with the Jeannette Rankin Award for their advocacy during the legislative session.
#mtnews
Brendon Galbreath, 21, was a member of the Blackfeet Nation. Members of the tribal community are expressing grief and disbelief online, reeling from the loss of a beloved community member, who many remember as intelligent and kind.
#mtnews
Tribes in Montana have consistently enacted stricter safety protocols than the state. The Blackfeet Nation has lost 56 community members to the virus, and COVID was the leading cause of death among Native Americans in Montana in 2020.
NEW: Property taxes have increased statewide, but in Browning - where many live in poverty - it's a different story.
Some Browning residents saw their appraised values increase 500%. Many must now pay 2-4 times as much in property taxes as the year before
Haley Omeasoo knew she wanted to work in a lab to address the missing & murdered Indigenous ppl crisis, but she didn’t see that job in Montana.
That's why she launched Ohkomi Forensics, which provides forensic services to Native families affected by
#MMIP
Today's newsletter is about a problem w/ the FBI. The FBI generally investigates major crimes against Native ppl that occur on reservations. Per their policy, the FBI rarely gives reporters details, saying they can't disclose info on ongoing investigations